A science teacher has been named as Plymouth Labour’s candidate in one of the upcoming council by-elections caused by the resignation of two Conservative councillors.
Lindsay Gilmour lives in Plympton with her teenage son and says it is “an enormous privilege” to have been selected as Plymouth Labour’s candidate in January’s election.
The election has been called because Dan Collins, who was elected as a Plympton Chaddlewood councillor in May 2021, has finally stood down 18 months after moving 130 miles from the city shortly after his election.
Mr Collins’ wife Shannon Burden had also stood down as a Conservative councillor after she also moved to Gloucestershire not long after her own election in Moor View ward the same year.
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Lindsay says one of the things she loves most about living in Plympton is its “terrific community spirit”.
“I was so proud when my son recently played in the brass band which led the Remembrance Sunday parade in Plympton,” she said.
“Plympton has so much to be grateful for, local schools, green spaces and play parks and the local shops,” said Lindsay, who has been chair of governors in a children’s nursery and an Oxfam campaign volunteer.
“But that means we also have a lot to lose under harsh Tory cuts and mismanagement.
“As well as the cost of living and rising energy and fuel bills, people are concerned about street lighting, especially around the Co-op car park which can be dangerous at night for anyone crossing on foot. If I’m elected I will focus on issues like this which affect local families.
“Chaddlewood needs a committed local councillor and a change from the turmoil with the Conservatives in this ward caused by Dan Collins moving away almost as soon as he was elected and then refusing to stand down. If I have the honour of being elected I can assure residents I will not be moving!”
The by-elections will be held on 12 January 2023.